How to Restore Old Stone Basement Walls

Jourdan Townsend

Unfinished basements generally offer an abundance of storage space and may even house heavy-duty appliances such as washers, dryers and deep freezers. However, they are also often rife with problems such as dirt, mildew and dampness. All of these things can take their toll on basement walls made of masonry such as natural stone. Sometimes all it takes is a thorough cleaning to help your stone basement walls look almost new again. Afterward, a good masonry sealer will protect them against moisture and damage.

Fill in any cracks with prepared masonry patch before sealing you walls.

Step 1

Fill a medium-size plastic bucket with warm water. Add ¼ cup of a grease-busting, bleach-free liquid dish detergent and ¼ cup of liquid ammonia. Agitate the mixture well to create a lather.

Step 2

Dip a nylon scrub brush into the cleanser. Scrub the stones thoroughly with the brush to remove dust, dirt and other muck. Clean each wall completely and rinse well with plain water.

Step 3

Treat mildew only once the stones are rinsed very well. Combine 1 oz. of plain bleach with 1 quart of water in a large spray bottle. Mist the stone with this mixture to kill mildew and freshen the surfaces; skip this step if there is any chance the bleach may mix with residual ammonia.

Step 4

Let the stone air dry for 48 hours. Do not rush, because even stones that feel dry to the touch may be holding moisture within. Sealing over wet stone can lead to internal mold, mildew and even structural problems.

Step 5

Apply two coats of masonry sealer all over the stone walls with a large paintbrush. Allow the first layer to dry for 30 minutes before applying the second. Let the sealer dry undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours.